The Gambler · Character

The Frenchman

A generic Frenchman at the casino, possibly De Griers in disguise.

minor

Also known as Frenchman, Master Frenchman

First appearance: iv

The Frenchman's tie to Alexei Ivanovitch is one of the pressures that moves The Gambler—worth meeting in the text, not only on a cast list.

Mentioned as a croupier or bystander; not directly involved.

In the storyXIVOpen this moment free

See The Frenchman in XIV Book page

Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.

With Alexei Ivanovitch (rivalry): The Frenchman (De Grieux) is a rival for Polina's affections and a financial antagonist, representing cold calculation against Alexei's passion. With The General (psychological): The Frenchman (De Grieux) manipulates the General financially, holding his debts and exerting control over him. With Mr. Astley (rivalry): Mr. Astley and the Frenchman are quiet rivals, with Astley disapproving of the Frenchman's manipulative treatment of Polina and the General.

Continue beside the text

The fuller portrait of The Frenchman sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See The Frenchman in iv

Character Web

7 connections

A slice of how The Frenchman sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Rivalry
Psychological
Other

Character groups

Main narrative drivers
Peripheral or minor figures
Protagonist

+2 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Closing

This excerpt marks the climax because it reveals the protagonist's complete psychological surrender and the ir…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

Alexei Ivanovitch
rivalry · negative
The Frenchman (De Grieux) is a rival for Polina's affections and a financial antagonist,… How this plays out →
The General
psychological · negative
Mr. Astley
rivalry · negative
Alexei Ivanovitch
rivalry · negative
The Frenchman (De Grieux) is a rival for Polina's affections and a financial antagonist,… How this plays out →
Alexei Ivanovitch
rivalry · negative
The Frenchman (De Grieux) is a rival for Polina's affections and a financial antagonist,… How this plays out →
The General
psychological · negative
Mr. Astley
rivalry · negative

Alexei Ivanovitch
The Frenchman (De Grieux) is a rival for Polina's affections and a financial antagonist, representing cold calculation against Alexei's passion.
The General
The Frenchman (De Grieux) manipulates the General financially, holding his debts and exerting control over him.
Mr. Astley
Mr. Astley and the Frenchman are quiet rivals, with Astley disapproving of the Frenchman's manipulative treatment of Polina and the General.
Alexei Ivanovitch
The Frenchman (De Grieux) is a rival for Polina's affections and a financial antagonist, representing cold calculation against Alexei's passion.
Alexei Ivanovitch
The Frenchman (De Grieux) is a rival for Polina's affections and a financial antagonist, representing cold calculation against Alexei's passion.
The General
The Frenchman (De Grieux) manipulates the General financially, holding his debts and exerting control over him.
Mr. Astley
Mr. Astley and the Frenchman are quiet rivals, with Astley disapproving of the Frenchman's manipulative treatment of Polina and the General.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See The Frenchman in iv

In the story

The Frenchman appears across 1 companion beat. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for The Frenchman unlock in the free preview.

See The Frenchman in iv

See The Frenchman in XIV